THE Tuff Gang, a group led by Asadenaki Wailer, launched its Groundation EP last Friday at the Kingston home of reggae legend Bunny Wailer, Asadenaki’s father.

According to Asadenaki, Tuff Gang’s singer/percussionist, Groundation is their biggest statement since forming three years ago.

“It is a great accomplishment for me personally, and for us as a collective. We have been working on the project for over a year, from recording to mix/mastering and I have learned how important timing is in regards to finishing a product,” he told Splash.

Bunny Wailer

“I have always wanted my first body of work to represent my free-spirited, organic nature and I feel that the compilation of songs selected for this EP embodies a variety of sounds, and moods.”

Yazer Root, chanter and bass player, and pianist Narry Berry are the other members of Tuff Gang. The trio’s debut song, Free, was released last year.

Keep On is the lead single from Groundation which is produced by the three members for Lyvestone Media. Free and Keep On were among the songs they did during a 40-minute set at the launch.

The Tuff Gang members have performed on several live shows including the Peter Tosh Memorial at Pulse and Bob Marley Tribute in Trench Town.

Bunny Wailer, Bob Marley & Peter Tosh

While respecting the traditional roots-reggae sound made famous by his father, Tosh and Marley, Asadenaki said Tuff Gang does not want to be labelled.

“Our main influences are Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh, Burning Spear, Half Pint, along with Public Enemy, Kanye West, NAS, Coldplay. We have not narrowed our style down to one specific genre, so the list overflows. All makers of positive music are our influences,” he explained.

— By Howard Campbell

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